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Theater Company of Hoboken still performing ‘The Music of Grease’ in Sinatra Park

Courtesy of the Theater CompanyThe cast of “The Music of Grease” performs a number from the show at Sinatra Park.

There’s still time to catch the summer’s most fun concert in Hoboken!

Since July 23, The Theater Company has been performing “The Music of Grease,” a showcase of songs from the classic musical, in Sinatra Park.

Director David Zimmerman said choosing to highlight tunes from “Grease” was a no-brainer.

“ ‘Grease’ is still one of the most popular movies, for adults and youth alike, and it was revived on Broadway three times over the past 20 years, all with successful runs,” he said, noting that the 1971 show’s themes still resonate with people today.

“I think anyone who went through high school can relate. Each character has their own unique personality. While watching the show, you’ll say, ‘I was like that,’ or ‘That reminds me of my friends,’ when you were in high school. Some things never change, which is why ‘Grease’ is timeless.”

He said he wanted to take advantage of the show’s enduring popularity and get the cast to really connect with the audience.

“Nearly everyone knows the music and we wanted people to sing along as well as sit back and listen,” he said, noting that the show’s emphasis on audience participation makes it stand out.

“We worked in audience participation, so we’ll be pulling volunteers from the audience for certain numbers, and going into the audience in others to dance with them,” said Zimmerman.

While the production will only feature the show’s songs and not its entire storyline, Zimmerman said that cast members are sure to please audiences by delivering a full performance.

“The cast their voices are amazing. You’ll think you are watching characters from the movie,” he said. “They will be acting their parts and will be dancing as they are singing.”

Overall, he said there’s no better way to spend your “Summer Nights” than seeing the outdoor show.

“Everyone will have a good time, whether they get up and dance or just sit and watch. The energy of the cast and the music from the show is contagious fun, and audiences will leave humming the tunes for days to come.”

The Theater Company will perform “The Music of Grease” today through Sunday at 7 p.m. at Sinatra Park, 410 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken. For more information, visit TheTheaterCompany.org.

McBride replaces Richie for Pops concert

BOSTON, July 2 (UPI) — Country singer Martina McBride has been booked to replace Lionel Richie as the featured musical guest for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, CBS said.

Richie was forced to cancel his participation in Monday’s Independence Day event because he is suffering from strained vocal cords, said the network, which is to air the program live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.

Emmy Award-winning actor and Boston-area native Michael Chiklis is to serve as host of the special.

Richie, who has been completing his upcoming album as well as performing concerts, has been ordered by his doctor to rest his voice.

“I am extremely disappointed to cancel my performance with the Boston Pops but must follow my doctor’s orders,” Richie said in a statement Friday. “It was such an honor being asked to celebrate the Fourth of July with this legendary orchestra and I hope to perform with them in the future.”

“We will miss Lionel and hope he recovers quickly and completely,” said Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials, music and live events for CBS Entertainment. “Having a superstar like Martina step in at the last minute is a dream come true. She is one of the greatest voices of this or any generation, and she is now my hero.”

McBride will perform some of her biggest hits with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart, CBS said.

Jill Scott Opens Up About Motherhood

Jill Scott is one of the greatest voices in music. recently she took on another great role. that role is motherhood.  Jill says her   son Jett Hamilton is the light of her life, but it’s very rare to hear her open up about her personal life. it is her change to embrace joy that has her spilling forth with great news and energy. her happiness and pride is evident in her voice and her smile.  you can see Jill  and her son  featured in the new Kirk Franklin video which we premiere here yesterday.

You can watch the video here with her and her son featured here: World Premiere Video:Kirk Franklin “I Smile”

She explainswhy she and Jett were meant to be together, the impact he has on her life, and what his early interests are. take a listen to Jilly from Philly by visiting RNBPhilly here.

Motherhood is the hot topic at hand.  see the ladies of Mary Mary  take on a modern twist by watching them here: Mary Mary Covers Bruno Mars “Just the way you Are” with Soul [Video]

Jill is representative of the new generation taking something traditional and staid and making it new.

Make sure to visit our  Face To Face feature with superstars Marsha Ambrosius and Miguel as they mix up the old and new and kick it into gear  by clicking here.